Driven by the spirit of Binnadang (communal unity and cooperation), healthcare researchers, academics, and policymakers gathered at the Benguet State University (BSU) Gym from 18 to 19 June 2026, for the 14th Regional Health Research Conference (RHRC) organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) and hosted by BSU.
Under the theme “Binnadang for Health: Bridging Communities through Research, Collaboration, Innovation & Care,” the two-day summit focused on transforming scientific evidence into real-world community impact. While the event showcased the finest health research from across the Cordillera administrative region, SLU took the spotlight as it won four out of five categories.
As a prominent member institution of the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC), SLU formally renewed its pledge of commitment during the opening ceremonies. Representing the university on behalf of SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM, PhD, was Prof. Richel Lamadrid, DAES, the SLU Research, Innovation & Sustainable Extension (RISE) Director, solidifying the institution’s ongoing dedication to collaborative health research in the region.
Essential Themes: AI Ethics, Actionable Evidence, and the Spirit of Binnadang
The conference opened with powerful calls to action from regional leaders, emphasizing that research must serve a higher purpose: informing action and improving Cordilleran lives. Key discussions throughout the event centered on critical healthcare challenges, local sustainability, and the rapidly evolving role of technology.
- The Power of Collective Action: Dr. Amelita Pangilinan Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DoH-CAR) and USec Dr. Leah Buendia DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) underscored that sharing knowledge is an act of Binnadang. They challenged researchers to ensure that scientific data effectively reaches and serves vulnerable populations. This directly aligns with UN SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and the CEAP JEEPGY Value of Engaged Citizenship, emphasizing mutual collaboration for the common good.
- AI and Data Ethics in Healthcare: A major highlight of Day 1 was the plenary session on Artificial Intelligence. Panelists—including SLU Information Systems And Technology Services Department (ISTSD) Chief Information Technology Officer and Data Protection Officer (DPO) Cecilia Mercado, PhD—navigated the tightrope between AI innovation and strict data privacy. The consensus was clear: while predictive AI offers massive benefits for data accessibility and diagnostics, human discernment remains the “gold standard,” and institutional readiness must protect sensitive patient data.
- Bridging Policy and Action: Presenters emphasized that research must not end on a printed page. The ultimate goal is to translate community-centered evidence into regional policy briefs and actionable care.
A Near Sweep: SLU dominates Research Awards
When Day 2 concluded, SLU emerged as the winner of four out of five competitive categories, notably sweeping every category in which they submitted an entry.
From groundbreaking botanical formulations to vital mental health systems, SLU’s triumphs demonstrated a perfect blend of scientific rigor and community care:
- Professional Oral Category Winner: Denilyn Jaramilla Lazo captured top honors for her study on the “Wound Healing Property of Topical Ointment Formulation of Alim, Melanolepis Multiglandulosa Fam. Euphorbiaceae Leaf Crude Extract in Albino Rats.” Her work bridges traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern pharmaceutical applications.
- Student Oral Category Winner: Alex Iverson Portin Pacheco won for the timely and compassionate research project, “Postpartum Maternal Well-Being: Mapping Psychosocial Issues, Mental Health Status, and Self-Efficacy,” shining a vital light on maternal healthcare needs.
- Student Poster Category Winner: Rvie Gabriel Manalo secured the victory with a meticulous study titled “Screening the Bioactive Compounds for Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity In Ventricosa Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes ventricosa),” highlighting the therapeutic potential of local flora.
- 3-Minute Pitch Competition Winner: Zwiesel Gaile L. Cantuba delivered a masterful, high-impact presentation of her thesis, “Project Iyaman: Institutionalizing an Evidence-Informed, Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention System in Baguio City,” proving that compelling communication can pave the way for life-saving mental health interventions.
In addition, SLU’s Joniever G. Badilla presented a crucial, non-competitive entry in the policy briefs category. Titled “The Life Bead Initiative: Halting the Invisible Transboundary Crises and Silent Migration of Lead,” the presentation exemplified SLU’s commitment to transforming high-level research into immediate public advocacy and environmental safety policies.
The university was also represented by Ma. Kyrille Faith Buguina Baysac in the student poster category, who explored the functional responses of E. coli to microplastic and pesticide exposure.
Cultivating the Next Generation
The 14th RHRC concluded with a message from Dr. Erlinda Palaganas, the Regional Coordinator of the CRHRDC, who urged all member institutions to continue mentoring the next generation and building a culture of research excellence. With a clear and consistent dedication to community-centered science and aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well Being), 4 (Quality Education), 16 ( Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) , the faculty and students of SLU continue to lead meaningful innovations, ensuring that world-class research and local empathy go hand in hand. (Article and Photos by the SLU RISE Center)
